Things to Do in O‘ahu

Things to Do in Oahu

With 112 miles of shoreline, O‘ahu is a nature lover's paradise with tons of things to do for families. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is nestled in the vibrant Ko Olina community and just a short distance from Honolulu, Waikiki and Kailua—havens for world-class shopping, dining, sightseeing and cultural activities.

Ko Olina Activities

Pristine beaches, 7 shimmering lagoons and over a mile of seashore pathways provide a beautiful backdrop for an abundance of leisure activities.

Kualoa Ranch

Once the residence of kings and a training ground for royalty instructed in the arts of war, history and social traditions, Kualoa was considered by ancient Hawaiians one of the most sacred places on O‘ahu.

Meaning “long back” in Hawaiian, kualoa describes this family-run ranch’s verdant valleys and mossy mountain peaks. Marvel at the lush beauty and tranquility of this sacred place in Hawaiian culture on a variety of excursions, including ranch tours on horseback, by ATV and even a movie tour aboard a vintage school bus, where you’ll visit locations from popular blockbuster films and TV shows.

Once the residence of kings and a training ground for royalty instructed in the arts of war, history and social traditions, Kualoa was considered by ancient Hawaiians one of the most sacred places on O‘ahu.

North Shore Beaches

Spanning more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore are a mecca for surfing aficionados, hosting some of the world’s foremost surf competitions during the winter months. Between November and February, watch the pros ride 30-foot-plus swells at Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and ‘Ehukai Beach, better known as the Banzai Pipeline. From May to September, gentler waves offer a more tranquil setting for surfing, swimming and sunbathing. At Laniakea Beach, you’re likely to get an up-close look at the huge green sea turtles—some of them up to 80 years old—that come ashore to feed on seaweed growing on the rocks.

The North Shore is also home to the Haleiwa Town, an artsy enclave frequented by locals and filled with eclectic shops, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. Meanwhile, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers visitors a taste of island village life with native arts demonstrations, game and activities as well as the opportunity to partake in an authentic luau feast fit for a king.

Spanning more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore are a mecca for surfing aficionados, hosting some of the world’s foremost surf competitions during the winter months.

Pearl Harbor

Step into history by taking a tour of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Tours offered include the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Battleship, Pacific Aviation Museum and a number of exhibits commemorating the events leading up to the United States’ tumultuous entrance into World War II.

Waikiki

Located on the South Shore of Honolulu, this world-famous neighborhood is O‘ahu’s main resort area, lined with oceanfront beach hotels. A gathering place for visitors from around the world, Waikiki boasts outstanding shopping, restaurants and tourist attractions. Hike the summit trail to the top of Diamond Head Crater, or visit the Waikiki Aquarium or Honolulu Zoo for a closer look at native wildlife and tropical ecosystems.

Dole Plantation Tour

Board the Pineapple Express for a 20-minute narrated train ride through Hawaii’s only working pineapple plantation. On your journey, learn about the history of the world’s most popular tropical fruit and how James Dole founded the plantation exactly where it still stands as you pass fields of pineapples at various growth stages.

Afterward, you can choose to tour the Dole Garden, comprised of 8 mini gardens where you can see, touch and smell a variety of different crops. Or challenge your problem-solving skills in the 3-acre Dole Maze, the world’s largest outdoor botanical labyrinth, as you seek out 8 hidden stations that lead you to the secret at its center. At the plantation country store, browse tempting gifts and enjoy local foods and signature refreshments, including the world-famous DoleWhip®.

Board the Pineapple Express for a 20-minute narrated train ride through Hawaii’s only working pineapple plantation.

RESERVATIONS

(808) 676-5300

Call to book a tee time.

Shopping on O‘ahu

Want to mix some shopping into your days of sun and fun? O‘ahu offers options for every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for gifts, beach apparel, fashion or luxury items, you'll find boutiques, malls, brand outlets and specialty stores just a short drive from Aulani Resort.